In what will surely be an evening to remember, the Creston Community Auditorium Society (CCAS) is presenting a benefit concert on Oct. 18 featuring East Shore Dixie, led by Donnie Clark, and the Creston Community Band, conducted by Monte Anderson.
Funds raised at the concert will be used to purchase needed equipment at the Prince Charles Theatre — currently on the wish list is an upgraded sound system and, eventually, new seats.
“It’s a great privilege to have both groups together at once,” said CCAS president Joanna Wilson. “We are very honoured that they are lending their talents to keep the theatre thriving.”
Clark has long been one of the country’s leading trumpet and flugelhorn players, using a versatile style suited to jazz, easy listening or country.
“As a player, arranger, and composer on the West Coast since the early 1960s, he has been leader of the Donnie Clark quartet and quintet and the Don Clark Ragtime Band, as well as a member of leading jazz ensembles such as the Bobby Hales Orchestra, the West Coast Jazz Orchestra, and a regular on CBC radio and television,” said his bio at www.pgmusic.com. “He was a founding member of the legendary Vancouver all-star jazz sextet Pacific Salt, touring throughout North America and Europe in the 1970s.”
He has performed and recorded with Dave Robbins, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Lance Harrison, Fraser McPherson, Doug Parker, New Orleans Connection and the Chicago Six.
As the leader of East Shore Dixie, Clark brings together eight musicians from Kootenay Lake’s East Shore and two from Creston to create music that both entrances and excites.
For part of the show, East Shore Dixie will combine with the Creston Community Band, to play a wide range of music.
“We’re playing a number of Donnie Clark’s compositions, actually,” said Anderson, who helped start the band, which has about 20 members, in the 1980s.
In addition to the bands, the evening’s entertainment will feature 2012 Creston’s Best Singer contestant Cara Waddle.
“This concert is a showcase of some the Creston Valley’s best musical talent,” said CCAS vice-president Brian Lawrence. “Buying a ticket won’t just help the auditorium society, but it will allow anyone attending to have an evening the won’t forget.”
The OCt. 18 show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, available in advance at Black Bear Books and Kingfisher Used Books, or at the door.
— CRESTON COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM SOCIETY